Southern France winemakers turn to aloe vera as drought reshapes traditional vineyards

In the heart of the Corbières region, Laurent Maynadier, a winemaker from a family with 13 generations of history in viticulture, is taking an unusual step to adapt to the persistent drought affecting southern France. On his estate in Fitou, in the Aude department, Maynadier has begun transforming part of his vineyard into fields of aloe vera, a plant known for thriving in arid conditions. This decision comes as climate change continues to impact traditional winegrowing areas, with rainfall becoming increasingly scarce and groundwater levels remaining critically low.

Maynadier started experimenting with alternative crops several years ago. He tested aromatic plants such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, and lavender. After careful observation, he found that only aloe vera and rosemary could withstand the dry conditions. However, rosemary did not prove profitable enough. Aloe vera, on the other hand, requires fifty to one hundred times less water than grapevines and does not need chemical treatments. This makes it an attractive option for farmers facing water shortages and stricter environmental regulations.

The shift is not unique to Maynadier’s property. Across the Aude and neighboring Pyrénées-Orientales, many winegrowers are reducing their vineyard acreage or diversifying their crops. The French government has introduced a program encouraging the removal of nearly 27,500 hectares of vines nationwide, including about 5,000 hectares in the Aude alone. In some cases, pistachio trees, olive trees, or carob trees are being planted alongside or instead of vines.

On his estate, Maynadier has already uprooted half of his vineyards over the past five years. He now cultivates nine hectares of vines compared to 18 previously. His aloe vera plantation covers 5,000 square meters—about half a hectare—with 3,000 plants already established. He plans to expand this area and is also testing other drought-resistant species such as argan trees.

Despite these changes, Maynadier remains committed to his family’s winemaking tradition. He insists that abandoning vines is not an option but acknowledges that new methods are necessary to sustain viticulture in a changing climate. He is exploring techniques like maintaining ground cover between vine rows, practicing agroforestry by integrating trees into vineyards, and using mulch to retain soil moisture.

Maynadier’s approach extends beyond cultivation. In his stone-walled cellar stands an alembic still that he uses not only for distilling wine but also for processing aloe vera flowers. This year marks the first time he will use aloe flowers to produce floral waters and distillates intended for both cosmetic and food applications. According to Maynadier, these products offer greater economic potential than wine under current conditions.

The ongoing drought in the region shows no sign of abating. The Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) recently reported that groundwater levels in Roussillon and the Corbières remain very low and are unlikely to recover soon regardless of rainfall patterns. Occasional heavy rains have not been enough to reverse the long-term trend.

For Maynadier and others like him in southern France, adapting to climate change means rethinking traditional practices while finding ways to preserve their heritage. By introducing crops like aloe vera and adopting new agricultural techniques, they hope to secure their livelihoods against an uncertain future while maintaining a connection to their roots as winemakers.